Dear Parent / Carer,
Our first set of Progress Assessment weeks for this academic year are taking place from the 30th January for Years 7,8 and 9 and from the 6th February for Year 10. Please see the timetables below which show exactly when each assessment for each year group will take place.
Years 8-10 will have sat these style of tests twice during the last academic year and should now be familiar with the process. For Year 7 students the tests will be different to what they are used to with each test being taken in our examination hall under full exam conditions. Students have been provided with revision materials and knowledge organisers for each subject in which they will be sitting a test and they will be expected to use these materials to revise and prepare for the tests. Revision can be a daunting thing to do for children of any age so in order to provide some advice there is a link on our website for a guide on how to effectively revise for tests and exams (https://dukes.ncea.org.uk/student-hub/revision-tips-and-ideas/). Although some of these guides are aimed at Y11, they still contain lots of ideas and tips to ensure that students of all ages develop their skills and effectiveness in this area. There is also some advice on how, as parents, you can support your child with revision.
The main idea behind these assessments is to ensure that students experience as much practice as possible in the sitting of controlled tests so that by the time they come to sit their final exams at the end of Year 11 they are familiar and confident in the examination and revision process and are in a position to perform to their potential. The results of these assessments will also help to inform the school of the progress of the students in key subjects and will help us to ensure that they are receiving the correct provision and support. Results of the tests will be reported to parents after each of the assessment periods. Outcomes may result in some students moving classes to ensure that they are receiving the correct levels of support.
Yours sincerely,
Ben Line
Deputy Principal
